LINQ Resources
Let us compile the resources on LINQ Project and its components. To work with LINQ there are two options available for you. One is to install the Orcas CTP from MSDN and the other is with the Visual Studio 2005 install the LINQ May 2006 CTP. I would prefer to use the second option. Mainly because we are working on Orcas and few features that are available with LINQ May CTP are not available in Orcas January CTP.
Download Microsoft Visual Studio Code Name “Orcas” Language-Integrated Query, May 2006 Community Technology Preview and install on top of Visual Studio 2005. This will have the compiler support for C# 3.0 / VB 9.0 language enhancements along with IntelliSense support.
Once you have it in your machine you would be able to see the templates in File > New Project > C# > LINQ Preview which will contain
Ø LINQ Console Applications
Ø LINQ Windows Applications
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LINQ Project has multiple components like,
Ø LINQ to Object (formerly known as LINQ)
Ø LINQ to SQL (formerly known as DLinq)
Ø LINQ to XML (formerly known as XLinq)
MSDN Articles
Ø LINQ FAQ
Ø C# 3.0 Language Specification
Ø C# 3.0 Language Enhancements Chat
Ø DLinq Overview for C# Developers
Ø LINQ Over DataSet for C# Developers
LINQ to Object (LINQ) Resources
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We have 101 LINQ Samples on LINQ to Object which I think will give you clearer picture on its capability.
Once you have installed the LINQ Project in your PC you will find Hands-on Lab and samples in the installed folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\LINQ Preview). So please go ahead and explore them.
LINQ to SQL (DLinq) Resources
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There is a nice walkthrough available at MSDN. Please download the instruction from DLinq Designer for VB and C#
For lap-around with the SqlMetal.exe (the command line tool equivalent to DLinq Designer) for LINQ to SQL (DLinq), I have added an entry in my blog titled DLinq: ADO.NET vNext a lap around.
LINQ to XML (XLinq) Resources
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LINQ to XML is not the replacement to System.Xml namespace. It is smarter and quicker way to handle XML from .NET. LINQ to XML is element centric and consumes less memory. The object starts with “X” not “Xml”. For example in LINQ to XML it is XElement not XmlElement (as for System.Xml).
I have added in my blog entries for LINQ to XML.
Ø XLinq: Beginners Walkthrough
Ø XLinq: Create XML from object using LINQ
Added resources
Watch this Channel9 video with Anders Hejlsberg and Luca Bolognese as they explain what The LINQ Project is, and how it will help you create XML and data-driven applications.
Anders Hejlsberg and Sam Drucker discuss LINQ and LINQ to Entities.
Namoskar